Republican News

Republican News

Oct102001

WASHINGTON -- Alaska Sen. Frank Murkowski today called on Senate Majority
Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) to reconsider his decision to suspend committee action
on energy legislation. Murkowski told reporters on Capitol Hill today he is
disappointed and troubled by the Majority Leader's action.
"Senator Daschle has subverted the will of the Energy Committee, the will of
the Senate, and the will of the American people--all in order to deny the
President a political 'win,'" Murkowski said. "The American people were
promised action on an energy bill. In turning a matter of national security
into a partisan issue, the Majority Leader's action is the height of
irresponsibility.
"Chairman Bingaman has announced that Sen. Daschle and a select group of
Senate Democrats will write an energy bill and bring it directly to the Senate
floor. This is an affront to the committee process. There will be no mark-up
in the Energy Committee and there will be no open, public debate on a national
energy policy," Murkowski said. "How can there be balance in the bill without
any input from rank-and-file Democrats, let alone from the Minority?
"Our nation's strength lies in our ability to openly debate issues. This
decision subverts the very democratic process that makes us so strong in
troubled times," Murkowski said. "This is a return to the days of the
proverbial smoke-filled rooms and represents the very worst type of politicking.
"The House, recognizing that energy security is integral to national
security, has done its job by passing comprehensive energy legislation,"
Murkowski said. "I urge the Democratic Leader to reconsider this decision and
give us a time certain for a floor debate. The people's business should be
conducted in an open, honest, and forthright manner."
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